After years of inactivity and serving as a parking lot, the former Morris Hedstrom site in Labasa is set for a major redevelopment. The Labasa Town Council has approved plans for a new shopping mall, marking a significant change in the commercial landscape of the area.
The Morris Hedstrom building, once a vibrant retail center, was lost to a fire 15 years ago and has remained vacant since, with only the remains of the former structure onsite. Residents and local business owners have long awaited a resolution for this prime location.
Samu Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, confirmed that the plans for the new shopping mall have been sanctioned. “This is why you’ve seen the area now being cordoned off,” Mr. Ligairi noted.
He explained that the multimillion-dollar development is being undertaken by Carpenters, the parent company of Morris Hedstrom. “We are excited to see this important site being developed into a modern shopping complex,” he added.
The project is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities and provide a boost to the local economy. “Construction is set to begin soon, with preliminary work already underway.”